Raiders' woes continue as Darren Waller, Hunter Renfrow head to IR
An avalanche of bad news continues to crush the dreadful Raiders. On Thursday afternoon, the team announced it had placed tight end Darren Waller and wideout Hunter Renfrow on injured reserve.
Also Thursday, linebacker Blake Martinez, who signed with the team Oct. 3, abruptly retired, ending a seven-year career. In Sunday's loss to the Jaguars, he led the team in tackles. His departure may be more of an escape given the team's many problems.
Neither Waller nor Renfrow has lived up to expectations after signing massive contract extensions in the offseason. They were posting career lows in yards per reception (10.9 and 9.1). Now the Raiders' 15th-best scoring offense (22.9) must muddle along with underperforming QB Derek Carr and All-Pro wideout Davante Adams, who seems fed up with the circus in Las Vegas.
According to ESPN's Paul Gutierrez, the big three of Waller, Renfrow and running back Josh Jacobs have only played 43 snaps together this season.
Last in the AFC West, Las Vegas (2-6) must go on a miraculous run to make the playoffs. New York Times' playoff simulator gives the team only a five percent chance to make the postseason.
Week 10's home game against the Colts could be a win. Indianapolis, in turmoil after the firing of head coach Frank Reich earlier this week, has the league's least experienced coaching staff. Interim head coach Jeff Saturday has no coaching experience at the college or NFL level.
Per NBC Sports, McDaniels said the Colts are "going to be ready to go because Jeff will have them ready to go.”
If the Raiders lose Sunday, Las Vegas could have McDaniels ready to go, too.
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